A truly memorable glass of wine is one that tells a good story, and for Alberto Chiarlo, of Michele Chiarlo wines, the story is as rich, inviting and evocative as a glass of Barolo. “Our story is one about wine growers,” explains Chiarlo. “Before the Second World War, our family, like most wine growers, were selling wine in barrels.”

It was only when Chiarlo’s father, Michele, was sent to wine school by his grandfather, that the vineyard began to transform into one of Italy’s premier winemakers. The first bottle to bear Michele Chiarlo’s name was released in 1956. “It started from scratch, very humble.